Ukrainian journalist Pavel Sharoiko in Belarus KGB jail

Ukrainian journalist Pavel Sharoiko is being held at a KGB pretrial detention center in Minsk, reports the 112 Ukraine quoting Ukraine's Ambassador to Belarus Igor Kizima.

A Ukrainian consul was allowed to meet the detainee after Ukraine had filed a formal request. The consul also met with Sharoiko's wife and his lawyer.

According to Ambassador Kizim, journalist is accused of espionage. The Ambassador noted that Belarusian MFA is yet to comment on Sharoiko's detention.

On 17 November, Ukraine's Embassy and Ukrainian media reported that the journalist was detained in Minsk as far back as 25 October. Ukraine's National Union of Journalists has urged Belarus to immediately release Pavel Sharoiko.